INTERVIEW: Seven-Eleven Japan Eyeing Flexible Store Hours

Tokyo, May 21 (Jiji Press)--Seven-Eleven Japan Co. will allow franchise stores to shorten their business hours if they want, after its trial of shorter hours ends, President Fumihiko Nagamatsu said Tuesday.

The convenience store chain will be "flexible" about its 24-hour operation policy, Nagamatsu said in an interview with Jiji Press.

Currently, some 20 Seven-Eleven Japan franchise stores participate in the trial, which began after a spat over the store hours emerged between an outlet in Osaka Prefecture and the chain's headquarters in February. An additional 150 outlets hope to join the trial.

"We launch stores at places where 24-hour operation is viable, but the social environment is changing," Nagamatsu said.

Informed sources said some store owners gave up the idea of participating in the trial because the headquarters warned them that their franchise contracts would be terminated if they participate.